Journal of Nanoparticle Research最新文献

The peroxidase (POD)-like nanozymes are regarded as facile and convenient toolkits for the quantification of ascorbic acid (AA). Nevertheless, their insufficient specificity for AA in comparison to other biological antioxidants, such as glutathione (GSH) and cysteine (Cys), severely hindered the discrimination of AA in complex systems. To attain simultaneous quantification and discrimination of AA from GSH and Cys, a CuS nanoparticles-based sensor array with multichannel output signals is constructed in this study. The CuS nanoparticles exhibit superior POD-like activity and can effectively initiate the oxidation of 3, 3′, 5, 5′-tertamethylbenzidine (TMB) to oxidized TMB (oxTMB), accompanied by a measurable change in UV–Vis absorption, solution color and photothermal performance. However, in the presence of antioxidants, the aforementioned process is inhibited and the oxTMB is reduced back to TMB, resulting in signal (UV–Vis absorption, RGB and photothermal heating temperature) changes corresponding to the identity and concentration of antioxidants. As a consequence, by creating a finger print pattern using the multichannel output signals through linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and principal component analysis (PCA), the CuS nanoparticle-based sensor array enables the simultaneous quantification and discrimination of AA from GSH and Cys both in aqueous solution and human serum. This study presents a novel approach for the precise quantification and differentiation of AA and shows great potential in practical application.

A simple model and computation of Moiré-regulated composition evolution kinetics of bicomponent nanoclusters is presented. Assuming continuous adsorbate coverage on top of 2D bilayer and Moiré potential-driven nanocluster formation at fcc sites of Moiré landscape, these sites experience the influx of one component of a bicomponent adsorbate and the outflux of another component. Kinetics of this process is characterized for several combinations of adsorption potentials and their relative strengths.

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were completed to explore the adsorption of volatile organic compounds including 2-propenal, acetic acid, and acetone molecules on the Au cluster– and Pt cluster–functionalized BC₃ substrates. Our formation energy calculations revealed the thermodynamic stability of the constructed Au cluster and Pt cluster modified BC₃ systems. Au and Pt functionalization approach was utilized in this work to amend the adsorption capability of volatile organic molecules on the BC₃ surface. Our results exhibited the strong chemical adsorption of 2-propenal, acetic acid, and acetone molecules on the active Pt and Au sites. In all three volatile organic compounds studied, O atoms as reactive sites showed their great tendency to react with the Au and Pt modified surface. The band structure, density of states (DOS), and molecular orbitals were discussed to evaluate the effects of the adsorption of VOC gas molecules on the electronic properties of modified BC₃ nanosheets. Thus, Au– and Pt cluster–functionalized BC₃ nanosheets can serve as effective nanosensors for detection of volatile organic compounds.

Non-spherical nanostructures such as multilayered polygons and branched Au nanoparticles demonstrate high Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance due to their plasmonic nature and anisotropic morphology. Unfortunately, their syntheses often involve multiple steps and complex reagents. In particular, a conventional synthesis of Au nanoplatelets (AuNPt) involves a toxic cationic surfactant that should be substituted with more ecologically friendly reagents. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of AuNPt utilizing organic biomolecules from the plant Cercis Canadensis. These SERS-capable AuNPt are also shown to undergo a distinctive structural modification through plasma-dependent etching of the nanoparticle. This etching allows, in high yield, the {111} facets to develop surface undulations and perforations through the entire structure that increases anisotropy. The AuNPt are demonstrated to be surfactant-free through the absence of hydrocarbons in the IR spectra and EDX measurements. The nanoplatelets displayed a 17.142 ± 1.193 × Raman to SERS peak enhancement, 4133% increase of the area under the curve, and a 1580% increase in the FWHM in the fingerprint 1341 cm⁻¹ peak of p-nitrothiophenol. Measurements were done in liquid- and solid-phase to demonstrate the versatility of the AuNPts.

Sol-gel dip-coating technique has adapted a thin film of CH₃NH₃PbI₂Br (MAPbI₂Br) on a glass FTO substrate. The structure of the film shown from the X-ray diffraction is cubic, and the appearance indicates that the film is significantly crystalline. The V²⁺ 5%-doped film demonstrated a significant geometric increase in the crystallite size to 34.52 nm, a sharp decrease in the bandgap energy to 1.79 eV, an elevation in the refractive index to 2.41, and a decrease in the extinction coefficient to 1.66. Additionally, this material’s conduction band edge complements the TiO₂ electron transport layer appropriately. On the other hand, we constructed solar cells using the FTO/TiO₂/MAPbI₂Br/spiro-OMeTAD/Au configuration. Doping the MAPbI₂Br film with 5% V²⁺ yielded the most remarkable results. It had a current density of 8.42 mA/cm², an open-circuit voltage of 1.04 V, a fill factor of 0.76, and an efficiency of 6.58%. However, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results for the same cell show that the device with 5% V²⁺ doping has a lower recombination rate than solar cells. This work has demonstrated that the doping effect of V²⁺ in the MAPbI₂Br perovskite films, made of the 5% V-doped modification in the form of solar cells, improves performance and lays the groundwork for future advancements in provskite solar cells.

This investigation is aimed to develop a novel iron supplement, iron oxide nanoparticles modified with Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (IONPs-ASP), for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). IONPs-ASP was synthesized using the co-precipitation method and characterized for their structural features, physicochemical properties, and biocompatibility by TEM, SEM, FTIR, etc. The therapeutic effects of IONPs-ASP were assessed in a rat IDA model. IONPs-ASP was administered intravenously, and blood parameters were monitored. In addition, the preliminary safety of IONPs-ASP was evaluated by organ coefficients and histopathological staining. IONPs-ASP was successfully constructed, with a small particle size, core–shell structure, hydrophilicity, and good biocompatibility. Compared to unmodified IONPs, IONPs-ASP showed better stability and dispersion. In the IDA rat model, IONPs-ASP exhibited superior therapeutic efficacy than that of ASP or IONPs monotherapy. Furthermore, no abnormalities were observed in the organ coefficients and tissue section. IONPs-ASP not only has a superior therapeutic effect on IDA but also has the effect of the ASP on supplementing blood. Hence, it may be used as a new iron supplementing agent with double therapeutic efficacy on blood supplementation for the treatment of IDA.

Graphical Abstract

In this study, we constructed Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP)–modified iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and demonstrated the therapeutic effects of IONPs-ASP on iron deficiency anemia (IDA), which was associated with IONPs supplementation and APS-stimulated hematopoietic cell generation.

Rapid and uniform seed germination is crucial for optimizing crop productivity and economic returns in commercial agriculture, thereby contributing to global food security. Hence, this study explored the effect of impact of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized using Halimeda opuntia (L.) Lam. extract on the seed germination of horse gram, Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. When compared to the control, the ZnO NPs significantly improved seed germination, shoot length, root length, dry matter, and vigor index of the seeds of horse gram, M. uniflorum. The optimal concentration of the ZnO NPs for these improvements was 75 ppm, resulting in a 94% germination rate, 11.88 cm shoot length,19.77 cm root length, 374.8 mg dry matter, and 2876.4 vigor index. Biochemical analysis revealed that ZnO NPs stimulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) in germinated seeds while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content, a marker of oxidative stress. These findings suggest that ZnO NPs enhance horse gram seed germination through improved antioxidant defense and reduced oxidative stress. Overall, this study validates the potential of ZnO NPs as a promising eco-friendly approach for promoting horse gram seed germination and potentially improving crop yield.

This study sought to identify and characterize Heterorhabditis indica, its symbiotic bacteria, and Meloidogyne incognita, while assessing the nematicidal efficacy of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Photorhabdus luminescens supernatant (PsAgNPs). Molecular and phylogenetic analyses verified the identity of H. indica and M. incognita, revealing no nucleotide discrepancies from previously characterized species. P. luminescens exhibited entomopathogenic properties, and its supernatant enabled the biosynthesis of PsAgNPs under optimal conditions (26 ± 2°C, pH 9). Characterization of PsAgNPs indicated a UV–visible absorption peak at 430 nm, a crystalline structure with an average particle size of 22.38 nm (XRD), and a zeta potential of -41.7 ± 0.74 mV, signifying high stability. FTIR analysis suggested that proteins and polysaccharides contributed to nanoparticle stabilization, while EDX confirmed 70.01% silver purity. SEM and TEM analyses demonstrated spherical nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 15.5 to 40 nm. In vitro bioassays revealed that PsAgNPs significantly suppressed M. incognita egg hatchability and juvenile mortality in a dose-dependent manner. At 200 µg/mL, PsAgNPs reduced egg hatchability to 24.6% and caused 100% juvenile mortality. In contrast, the bacterial supernatant alone exhibited a lower efficacy. The LC50 values for PsAgNPs were 13.1 µg/mL and 14 µg/mL at 12 and 24 h, respectively, indicating potent nematicidal activity. In vivo pot experiments on tomato plants demonstrated a pronounced reduction in gall formation (95.3%) and egg mass production (93.1%) at 100 µg/mL PsAgNPs. Soil nematode populations were significantly reduced, with the lowest density recorded in PsAgNP-treated plants (53.3 juveniles). Additionally, PsAgNPs substantially enhanced plant growth, increasing fresh and dry shoot and root biomass by 61.2% and 64.6%, respectively, compared to controls. Histopathological analysis corroborated reduced tissue damage in PsAgNP-treated plants. These results underscore the potential of PsAgNPs as a viable biocontrol agent for managing M. incognita, presenting an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional nematicides.

Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory condition, is characterized by the accumulation of foam cells derived from macrophages that engulf oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) via scavenger receptors and atherosclerosis-related protein receptors. Our initial investigation revealed that pristine graphene, lacking functional groups, exhibits a substantial binding affinity for both scavenger receptors (CD36, SRA1, LOX1) and atherosclerosis-related protein such as Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). This observation led us to postulate that graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), enriched with functional groups, may demonstrate even more robust binding capabilities. In the present study, our objective was to explore these binding interactions through molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations involving graphene-based nanomaterials, including graphene, GO, and rGO, in relation to their interactions with atherosclerosis-related protein receptors. This allowed us to anticipate their potential influence on the formation of foam cells derived from macrophages. We employed AutodockVina for molecular docking analysis, assessing the ligands (graphene, GO, and rGO) and predicting the active binding sites on atherosclerosis-related protein receptors (LOX-1, SRA-1, TLR4, and CD36) with the assistance of P2Rank. Remarkably, the docking scores for graphene, GO, and rGO with all target proteins consistently fell below − 5 kcal/mol. Our exploration was further enriched by the application of the BINANA binding analyzer 2.2, which facilitated the visualization of intricate protein–ligand interactions. Additionally, the analysis of MD simulations using the CHARMM force field revealed significant conformational changes and binding energy within the protein–ligand complexes, notably occurring within the initial 100 ns (ns) of the simulations. These findings provide invaluable insights into the potential role of graphene-based nanomaterials in modulating the development of atherosclerosis.

The current study uses Monte Carlo simulations to elucidate the magnetic dynamics of the Kesterite nanolattice. The study of magnetizations and susceptibilities in dependence on temperature reveals essential information about the transition between ordered and disordered magnetic phases. The study highlights the critical roles of temperature, external magnetic field (H), and exchange coupling parameters (J₂/J₁, J₃/J₁) in shaping the magnetic characteristics of the system. In particular, the response of the blocking temperature (T_B/J₁) to these factors was highlighted, which enhances our understanding of the magnetic behavior of the Kesterite nanolattice. These results provide valuable insights, essential for potential applications in various nanotechnological fields.